It's beginning to look a lot like Advent!

Can you believe Advent is just around the corner? I'm so excited -- I love Advent.
 

I enjoy the long slog of Ordinary Time in the church year. No, really I do. It feels like a long enough time that one begins to notice and appreciate the everyday stuff of life. But by the time Advent comes around, I always feel ready to step out of Ordinary into a bit of Special.

I didn't grow up celebrating Advent and didn't even know what it was until early adulthood. Leaning into Advent, then, has been a beautiful gift that still has a bit of "new" sheen to it. 

Here are a few things I love about Advent:

I love the spaciousness that Advent creates in a season that can so quickly be consumed by busyness.

I love the active stillness -- the quiet, reflective time that serves to prepare our bodies and hearts for the birth of newness.

I love the strong presence of women in Advent as we wonder about pregnancy and birth, as we re-tell the stories of courageous women such as Elizabeth and Mary, as we all embrace a time of gestation and nurture.

I love the journey of Advent. Advent is like a treasure map with each week revealing a new signpost to remind us where we've been and where we need to keep journeying. There is something very labyrinthine about Advent... a forward movement that sometimes feels confusing, yet will never lead you astray so long as you follow the step and then the one after it.

I love the simplicity and delight of lighting candles each night.

What do you love about Advent?

Inspiration

I'm working on the final details of the new collection, From the Trees, which is being released in two days. And as I'm working, I'm ruminating back over all the beautiful things that have inspired and shaped this collection.

Honestly, this collection has been so easy inspiration-wise. Forests, trees, green spaces... I have gravitated to these places since childhood. I collect tree inspirations like a hoarder; they speak to the depths of my being.

When I went through a particularly searing stage of life a few years back, I went to the Coastal Redwood groves of Northern California as often as possible. They were a source of refuge, of healing, of peace.

I don't think it's possible to walk out of a forest the exact same person who entered. Forests are magical, replete with the beauty and energy of God.

I hope that you love this collection. But so far beyond that, I hope that you will see a bit of my heart and soul in it and that it will inspire you to lean into experiences that make your own heart come alive.

One last gift to you before I sign off: This poem by Rainer Maria Rilke has been a key piece of inspiration during this collection's duration. I hope you read it in a quiet moment when you are able to relish its beauty. Maybe while sitting under a tree? :)

Warmly,

Andrea

Let's hear it for Deacons!

One question I have received often is: What about Deacon Stoles?

Well today, Deacons, I have your answer!

I had been working to create a Deacon stole cut for the new collection, From The Trees, being released July 1st.

Then this past Sunday happened. My church was honored with a visit from the Episcopal Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry. It was a fantastic celebration and downright love-fest. (If this is confusing, listen to any sermon given by him and you'll understand.)

But... back to Deacon Stoles. :) There was a Deacon at our church wearing a gorgeous stole and I made a bee-line for her. She was gracious and kind in answering my questions, telling me it was called a Byzantine Deacon Stole and has its origins in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

I had to make one! It was so beautiful!

And so, Deacons, I give you not one, but TWO Deacon Stole Cuts that will be offered by The Tailored Stole with the new collection release on July 1st!

The Classic Deacon Stole is a beautiful rendition of a Deacons stole, with slightly tapered stole ends. A slight angle on the shoulder seam makes it sit smoothly on the shoulder. It is designed to be held with a deacon stole clip.

The Byzantine Deacon Stole is a loop segment that crosses the body in the front and back with draping stole segments extending front and back from the left shoulder seam. This stole is stunning and so comfortable to wear.

Most of the designs from The Tailored Stole will work for these, though some of the designs will be offered as modified designs for the Deacon Stole versions.

Thank you, Deacons, for your patience and understanding. I am so happy to have made these for you -- I hope you love them as much as I do!

Warmly,
Andrea

New collection coming soon!

I have been working hard on the new collection from The Tailored Stole, "From The Trees," and can't wait to show it to you!

Trees have always been a place of healing, strength, and renewal for me. There is nothing better than a stroll through a forest or even stopping beneath a tree and looking up into its branches. This collection has been a wonderful excuse to spend some extra time out in nature, sketching ideas while breathing in the scent of evergreens.

This will be a 5-piece collection, though you can be sure that tree inspirations will show up in collections to come. I'm so excited to release it soon -- check back on July 1st to see the From The Trees collection!

Bound for ATX!

It's true!!! My eldest son and I will be flying to Austin this July for the Episcopal General Convention!

We'll be hosting a booth for The Tailored Stole for the duration of Convention, so come and say hello! There will be an opportunity to enter a drawing, to check out (and try on!) a stole or two, and a chance to meet me and some of the wonderful people involved in The Tailored Stole.

Let us know if we'll see you there!